Method for re-use of laundry wash water

ABSTRACT

A method for re-use of the same water to do multiple loads of laundry over and over again. The method includes the step of collecting the used wash water from a washing maching. A lint/grit removal stop is followed by a second lint removing step. A free oil removal step is followed by a grease, hydrocarbon and suspended solid removal step undertaken by a media filter. A hydrocarbon absorption filter step is then followed by an activated carbon filter step. The used wash water is further purified by an ozone injection step. Still further, a heat exchange step is provided before the step of re-introducing the used wash water back to a washing machine facility from whence it came.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to methods of re-using water. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to a method in which thesame laundry water is used again and again to do laundry.

2. Background of the Invention

At the present time, facilities such as motels and hotels, for example,do extremely large quantities of laundry on a daily basis. The watercosts incurred in such operations is enormous. Further, many motels andhotels, as a result of their huge water use, are exposed to substantialimpact fees. These impact fees and costs can literally amount tohundreds of thousands of dollars.

Water recycling systems are known to be in use in conjunction with carand truck washes. One example of such a system is U.S. Pat. No.5,374,352 entitled “Universal Recycled Wash Water System” which isherein incorporated by reference.

However, systems used to recycle water in truck and car washes would notbe appropriate for the re-use of water in laundry facilities.

In light of the extraordinary expenditures which are now being realizedin the hotel industry and other laundry-intensive businesses, a greatneed is seen for a recycling system for laundry water--so that the samewater can be used again and again to minimize costs associated withdoing laundry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a methodfor realizing the use of the same water over and over again in a laundryor dish washing facility.

Yet another object of the present invention is to minimize water costsassociated with doing laundry or dish washing.

Still another object of the present invention is to minimize energycosts associated with doing laundry or dish washing.

These and other valuable objects of the present invention are providedby a recycling system having a collection tank for receiving used washwater from a washing machine.

A holding tank is linked by piping to the collection tank with theholding tank having the dual purpose of providing a means of storingused wash water and a further purpose of transferring heat to heatexchange piping located in the interior of the holding tank.

The heat exchange piping in the interior of the holding tank is used asa heat exchange means and receives the used wash water after it has beenprocessed and cleaned by the respective cleaning and processing elementsof the present invention. Therefore, the heat exchange piping inside ofthe holding tank is for accomodating clean and processed water which hasgone through the recycling system. The used wash water inside of theholding tank is used as a heat source for transferring thermal energy tothe heat exchange piping so as to heat the clean and processed watertherein.

A lint/grit separator for removing suspended solids and lint from theused wash water is connected to the holding tank by means of piping.Lint and grit exceeding a specific size are removed from the used washwater by the lint/grit separator so that lint-grit separated waterproceeds forward to a lint filter. Suspended solids and lint whichexceed a predetermined size fall from the lint/grit separator to alint/grit collection basket.

The lint filter receives the lint/grit separated water and removessmaller-size lint and grit from the lint-grit separated water. Havingpassed through the lint filter, lint-filtered water exits the lintfilter and continues to an oil absorption filter.

The oil absorption filter removes free oil having a density less thanwater from the lint-filtered water. Upon passing through the oilabsorption filter, the lint-filtered water becomes oil-filtered waterand exits the oil absorption filter through piping to a media filter.

Upon the oil-filtered water entering the media filter, suspended solidsand various hydrocarbons are removed from the oil-filtered water so thatmedia-filtered water exits the media filter and is channelled to ahydrocarbon absorption filter.

The hydrocarbon absorption filter removes emulsified hydrocarbons andsome heavy metals from the media-filtered water so thatabsorption-filtered water exits the hydrocarbon absorption filterthrough piping to an activated carbon filter.

The activated carbon filter removes remaining organic compoundsincluding surfactants from the absorption-filtered water so that cleanand processed water exits the activated carbon filter.

The clean and processed water upon exiting the activated carbon filterenters a final holding tank where it is connected to piping whichbranches in two—with one branch exiting to a cold water server locatedoutside the recycling system and the other branch connecting to the heatexchange piping in the interior of the holding tank.

The clean and processed water upon entering the heat exchange piping isheated by the used wash water which surrounds the heat exchange piping,so that upon exiting the holding tank, heated clean and processed wateris channelled through piping to a hot water server located outside ofthe recycling system. From the cold and hot water servers, water can bere-introduced for use by washing machines for the cleaning of laundry,etc.

The collection tank, holding tank, separator, lint filter, oil filter,media filter, absorption filter, carbon filter and final holding tankare to be viewed as elements of the recycling system of the presentinvention.

Connected to and utilized by the elements of the recycling system areozone generators (used to further purify the water channelled throughthe recycling system), and sump pumps and centrifugal pumps which areused to move water through the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the elements of the recycling system of thepresent invention and of components connected to the system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective flow diagram of the elements of the recyclingsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective see-through view of the collection tankaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective see-through illustration of the holding tank andheat exchanger according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat exchange piping according tothe present invention;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the heat exchange piping of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the heat exchange piping of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic-side view of a two-pronged section of the heatexchange piping according to the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a schematic-side view of a three-pronged section of the heatexchange piping according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lint/grit separator and lint/gritcollection basket according to the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a see-through side view of the lint/grit collection basket ofthe according to the present invention;

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the lint/grit collection basket accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, partial see-through view of the lint filter ofthe present invention:

FIG. 10 is an exploded see-through view of the lint filter of thepresent invention and depicts the grooved guides for placing the removalscreens;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration depicting the angular relation ofthe lint removal screens to the spray nozzle and to the bottom of thelint filter;

FIG. 12 is a perspective illustration of the spray bar and nozzle of thelint filter of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a see-through perspective view of a preferred oil absorptionfilter according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a see through perspective view of the oil absorption filterof FIG. 13 with the hydrophobic socks removed;

FIG. 15 is a see-through side view of the oil absorption filter of FIG.13;

FIG. 16 is a see-through perspective view of the media filter of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 is a see-through view of the bottom of the media filter viewedfrom the top;

FIG. 18 is a see through view side-view of the media filter filled withigneous rock;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the overflow column in the mediafilter of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective, partial see through view of the hydrocarbonabsorption filter according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view, partial see-through view of the activatedcarbon filter according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a see-through perspective illustration of the final holdingtank according to the present invention;

FIG. 23A is a schematic diagram of various, pumps, floats, and switchesutilized by the recycling system of the present invention connected to acontrol panel;

FIG. 23B is a schematic view of a mechanical float in the final holdingtank for controlling tap water flow into the final holding tank;

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a reverse osmosis system for usewith the recycling system of the present invention in conjunction with adish washing facility;

When referring to the drawings, it should be understood that likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughoutthe respective figures.

THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1 and to the perspectiveflow diagram of FIG. 2, used wash water W_(uw) from wash machine(s) 2travels through pipeline 11 to collection tank 12 of recycling system10. Collection tank 12 is connected through pipeline 17 to holding tank20. Holding tank 20 has the dual purpose of serving as a holding tankand heat reclamation mechanism as will be subsequently explained.

The used wash water W_(uw) from wash machine 2 having been channeledthrough collection tank 12 and through holding tank 20 continues throughpipeline 39 to a centrifugal pump 40 where it is accelerated intolint/grit separator 42. Suspended solids and lint which exceed apredetermined size are channelled into pipe 48 and to lint/gritcollection basket 50. Pipeline 59 connects lint/grit basket 50 tocollection tank 12 so that water accumulating in lint/grit basket 50 isreturned to collection tank 12.

Lint/grit separated water W_(lg) proceeds from the lint/grit separator42 through pipeline 49 where it is injected with ozone from ozonegenerator 60.

Ozone traveling from ozone generator 60 is injected into the stream oflint/grit separated water W_(lg) traveling through pipeline 49 as itconnects to pipe 61 connected to the ozone generator 60. The lint/gritseparated water then enters pipeline 62 before being introduced to lintfilter 64.

Lint filter 64 removes smaller lint from the lint-grit separated waterW_(lg) whereupon the lint/grit separated water is further processed soas to become lint-filtered water W_(lf) before entering pipeline 79.

Through pipeline 79 lint-filtered water W_(lf) is channelled to oilabsorption filter 80 which removes oils having a density less than watersuch that the lint filtered water W_(lf) becomes oil filtered waterW_(of).

Pipeline 104 serves as the link between oil absorption filter 80 andmedia filter 105 and channels the oil filtered water from absorptionfilter 80 to media filter 105.

The Media filter 105 removes suspended solids and various hydrocarbonssuch that the oil filtered water W_(of) becomes media filtered waterW_(mf). The media filtered water W_(mf) exits the media filter 105through pipeline 123 which connects to centrifugal pump 124. Afterentering centrifugal pump 124 the media-filtered water is injected withozone from ozone generator 127, which connects to the piping 125 leadingfrom centrifugal pump 124, through pipe 126.

The media filtered water W_(mf) having received an injection of ozonefrom ozone generator 127 proceeds to the hydrocarbon absorption filter130 through pipeline 128.

Hydrocarbon absorption filter 130 removes emulsified hydrocarbons andsome heavy metals from the media filtered water received from mediafilter 105 such that the media filtered water W_(mf) becomes absorptionfiltered water W_(af).

From the hydrocarbon absorption filter, the absorption filtered waterW_(af) is channeled through pipeline 134 to activated carbon filter 140.

Activated carbon filter 140 is designed to remove any remaining organiccompounds such that the absorption filtered water becomes carbonfiltered water W_(cf).

The carbon filtered water W_(cf) exits the activated carbon filter 140through pipeline 150 which connects to final holding tank 156.

The final holding tank 156 is connected by pipe 157 to an ozonegenerator 158 through which more ozone is injected into the carbonfiltered water received from the activated carbon filter 140. Tap water8 is introduced into final holding tank 156 through pipeline 9 to recoupwater lost in the recycling process. Clean and processed water W_(cp)exits final holding tank 156 through pipeline 162.

Pipeline 162 connects to centrifugal pump 164 where the clean andprocessed water W_(cp) is pumped through pipeline 166 which connects topipelines 168 and 170. Pipeline 168 is connected to cold water server 4which connects to wash machine(s) 2 through pipeline 3.

Pipeline 170 directs clean and processed water W_(cp) to heat exchangepiping 26 (not shown in FIG. 1) located inside of holding tank 20.

The warm, used wash water received by holding tank 20 from thecollection tank 12 serves to heat the clean and processed water insidethe heat exchanger 26 such that upon exiting the holding tank 20 throughpipeline 172 the clean and processed water is channelled to hot waterserver 6 for re-use by wash machine 2.

In operation the recycling system of the present invention can beconnected through line 11 (FIG. 1 and 2) to the water discharged from aplurality of wash machines and dishwashers.

With reference to FIG. 3, collection tank 12 (an enclosed structure)receives used wash water W_(uw) from pipeline 11. Sump pump 13 locatedat the bottom 14 of collection tank 12 pumps the used wash water throughpipe 16 to pipeline 17 which connects to holding tank 20 (FIG. 4).

Pipeline 59 connected to lint/grit basket 50 connects to pipe 15 in theinterior of collection tank 12 so as to allow a water outlet for returnwater W_(rw) associated with the lint and grit collected in thelint/grit basket 50.

Collection tank 12 is of such a size and volume so as to have a capacitygreater than the total capacity of washing machine(s) which dischargeinto holding tank 12.

The tank can be made of any number materials including concrete,aluminum, metal, or polymers which will serve its intended purpose.

With reference to FIG. 4, holding tank 20 (an enclosed structure)receives used wash water W_(uw) from pipeline 17 which connects to theholding tank 20 at the top of side 21. The used wash water W_(uw) exitsthe holding tank at side 22 through pipeline 39. The temperature of theused wash water W_(uw) as it enters the tank is several degreesFahrenheit warmer than upon exiting as a result of a counter flow designof fluid motion which shall be subsequently explained.

Holding tank 20 may be constructed of concrete, metal, polymers or othersuitable materials. In a 1050 gallon tank, if made of concrete, thewalls and bottom of the holding tank are preferably three-inches thick5000 psi concrete with a one-half inch rebar 12 inches on center.

If the tank is made of metal the bottom and sides should be one-quarterof an inch thick. If the tank is made of polymers, the walls and bottomare three-quarter inches thick.

Again, the various sizes and dimensions can vary depending upon thequantity of water going through the system.

Heat exchange piping 26 lies upon the bottom 23 inside of holding tank20.

The heat exchange piping 26 in conjunction with holding tank 20 form ameans of heat exchange from the used wash water W_(uw) entering the tankto the clean and processed water W_(cp) contained in the heat exchangepiping.

The heat exchange piping 26 is preferably made of copper, stainlesssteel, galvanized metal or other appropriate material whose propertieswill transfer heat from the used wash water W_(uw) to the heat exchangepiping 26 and then to the clean and processed water W_(cp) inside of theheat exchange piping 26.

With reference to FIG. 5, the heat exchange piping 26 is provided with apipe connection 30 which receives clean and processed water W_(cp) frompipeline 170. Pipe connection 30 receives clean and processed waterW_(cp) from pipeline 170 with pipe connection 30 initially leadingdownward into holding tank 20 and then perpendicularly connecting tobottom manifold 27 which extends along the bottom 23 of holding tank 20.Connected to bottom manifold 27 are seven rows of three-prong piping31A, 31B, 31C, etc., which connect to top manifold 28.

Located between and adjacent to each row of three-prong piping 31 areseven rows of two-prong piping 33A, 33B, 33C, etc. which are connectedto bottom manifold 27 and top manifold 28.

The rows of three-prong piping 31 are parallel to one another andparallel to the rows of two-prong piping 33. Each row of three-prongpiping 31 and each row of two-prong piping 33 is attached to andoriented toward the top manifold 28 and bottom manifold 27 in anorthogonal manner.

In the top view of FIG. 5A, alternating rows of three-prong 31 andtwo-prong 33 piping are arranged in orthogonal relation to bottommanifold 27 and top manifold 28.

In FIG. 5B, a side see-through view from side 21 of the holding tank,demonstrates how rows of three-prong 31 and two-prong 33 piping extendvertically and in orthogonal relation to bottom manifold 27 and topmanifold 28. Further, FIG. 5B demonstrates the manner in which clean andprocessed water W_(cp) travels upward through the vertical pipes 34U,34V, and 34W of the three-prong piping 31 and through vertical pipes 34Xand 34Y of two-prong piping 33. Conversely, the used wash water W_(uw)travels in a downward direction in the interior confines of the holdingtank 20.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are schematic-like side-views of a row of two-prongpiping 33, and a row of three-prong piping 31, respectively.

In each row of two-prong piping 33, two vertical pipes 34X and 34Yconnect in a perpendicular manner to horizontal sections of pipe 37J and38G. Pipe 37J extends along the bottom 23 of holding tank 20 andconnects perpendicularly to bottom manifold 27. Pipe 38G connects to topmanifold 28 in a perpendicular manner.

In each row of three-prong piping 31, three vertical pipes 34U, 34V and34W connect in a perpendicular manner to horizontal sections of pipe 37Kand 38H. Pipe 37K extends along the bottom 23 of holding tank 20 andconnects perpendicularly to bottom manifold 27. Pipe 38H connects to topmanifold 28 in a perpendicular manner.

The manifold piping of the top and bottom manifold 28, and 27 is largerin diameter than the connecting piping of two-prong and three-prongpiping 34U, 34V, 34W, 34X, 34Y, 37J, 37K, 38H, 38G. With the bottom andtop manifold having a diameter of two inches, the connective piping ofthe two-prong 33 and three-prong piping 31 should be one-half inch indiameter.

The multiple vertical pipes 34 of the two-prong and three-prong piping33 and 31 cause the clean and processed water W_(cp) to travel slowlyfrom the bottom manifold 27 to the top manifold 28 so as to allow forgreater heat absorption. In addition, the perpendicular arrangement ofthe bottom and top manifolds to the two and three prong piping 31, 33reduces and retards the angular momentum of clean and processed waterW_(cp) so as to provide an additional factor providing effective heatexchange from the used wash water W_(uw) to the clean and processedwater W_(cp).

In operation, clean and processed water W_(cp) enters the heat exchangerpiping 26 after having traveled through pipeline 170 and travelsvertically down pipe 30 toward the bottom 23 of holding tank 20.

From there, the clean and processed water travels through pipeline 30,which is aligned in parallel to the respective horizontal pipe sections37J and 37K, to the bottom manifold 27.

From the bottom manifold 27, the clean and processed water travels intothe bottom horizontal pipe sections 37J and 37K and travels upwardthrough the respective vertical pipe sections 34X, 34Y and 34U, 34U, 34Wto the respective top horizontal pipe sections 38G and 38H to topmanifold 28.

From top manifold 28 the clean and processed water W_(cp) flows in thedirection of outlet 36 (FIG. 5). Pipeline 172 connects to outlet 36 andprovides a channel for the clean and processed water to exit the holdingtank 20.

In the heat exchange piping 26 of holding tank 20, the clean andprocessed water W_(cp) is heated as it travels upward through thevertical pipe sections 34 to the top manifold 28. This warming is due tothe fact that the used wash water outside of the heat exchange piping 26is warmer at the top of the holding tank.

Heat exchangers which are designed for high energy transfer rates withhigh flow velocities typically are shaped in coiled and spiralarrangements. However, in the system of the present invention, theenergy transfer is low with the differential of water temperaturetypically varying from 10 to 15 degree F. Therefore, the orthoganoldesign and multiple vertical avenues of flow, allows the clean andprocessed water W_(cp) to travel slowly through the heat exchange piping26 to achieve the desired energy transfer.

With reference to FIG. 7, a lint/grit separator connected to stand 45receives used wash water from the holding tank 20. The used wash waterhas traveled from holding tank 20 through pipe 39 to centrifugal pump 40(FIG. 1) which accelerates the used wash water to lint/grit separator42.

The best and most practical lint/grit separator currently known for usewith the present invention is a Demco™ Cyclone Separator (Spec #4H″-275#). However, substitute lint/grit separators can be utilized ifsuch separators meet the desired objective.

The Demco™ Cyclone Separator removes all solids in excess of six micronsand achieves this objective by subjecting the used wash water W_(uw) toangular motion such that the higher density solids collect on theinterior outer wall (not shown) of the separator due to the centrifugalforces experienced in the separator. These higher density solids slidedown the interior outer wall of the separator to piping 48 where theyfall into lint and solid collection basket 50.

The separator 42 is designed such that flow water, for removing thesuspended solids from the separator 42, collects the suspended solidsfrom the interior wall of separator 42 and causes these suspended solidsto flow into the lint and solid basket 50 where the sink to the bottomof the basket as a result of having a density greater than water.

With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, lint and solid collection basket 50is designed to fit into a container 51 having a bottom and four sides.The collection basket 50 has an upper region 50B having numerousperforations which act as a strainer mechanism.

The lower region 50A of the collection basket is the collection area forthe lint and grit which has been separated by separator 42.

In that the water falling into the collection basket 50 exceeds thecapacity of lower region 50A to hold such water, this excess water isreturned to collection tank 12 through pipeline 59. This excess returnwater W_(rw) passes into pipeline 59 after passing through perforationsin upper region 50B to an opening 52 on the side of container 51 whichconnects to pipeline 59.

The lint/grit separated water W_(lg), having passed through thelint/grit separator 42 and into pipeline 49, is injected with ozone byozone generator 60 (FIGS. 1 and 2) before proceeding through pipeline 62to lint filter 64. The ozone causes the organic contaminants in thelint/grit separated water to separate and serves as a disinfectant.

The ratio of the lint/grit separated water W_(lg) which continues fromthe lint/grit separator 42 toward lint filter 64 as compared to thewater W_(rw) returned to the collection tank 12 is approximately 75 toone.

With reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12, lint/grit separated waterW_(lg) enters lint filter 64 through entrance 63. Upon entering the lintfilter 64 the lint/grit separated water W_(lg) begins a trek through thelint filter which serves as a second stage of lint removal.

Lint filter 64 is provided with a series of mesh screens 66A, 66B and66C. Each successive screen is provided with mesh of decreasing size.The screens are fitted into grooved slats 70 provided on one side 69 ofthe lint filter (FIG. 10) and into corresponding grooved slats providedon an opposite side of the lint filter to side 69.

Alternatively, the sides of the lint filter can be made to have groovesbuilt into its opposite sides for accommodating the mesh screens 66; or,guide tabs 71 can be placed on the opposite side of the lint filter asportrayed in FIG. 11; or other manners to secure the mesh screens to thesides of the lint filter may be used. The mesh screens extend from justbelow the top of the lint filter to the bottom of the lint filter.

Upon entering entrance 63 the lint/grit separated water W_(lg) enters aspray bar 65 which branches out laterally so that a plurality of spraynozzles 73(FIG. 12) evenly distribute the lint separated water W_(lg)downward to the water level W_(l) in the lint filter 64.

The screens 66 are arranged in parallel relation to each other but areangled forward toward entrance 63 to form an angle Θ of 45 to 90 degreesin relation to the bottom 69 of the lint filter 64 as depicted in FIG.11.

The lint contained in the lint/grit separated water is not allowed toleave the lint filter because small diameter lint is trapped by thescreens 66.

The screens being arranged at an angle, most of the lint settles to thebottom, making cleaning of or replacement of the screens an easier task.Cleaning of the screens is done by taking off a removable top (notshown) of the lint filter 64.

Exits 72A, 72B and 72C are positioned below water level W_(l) in thelint filter 64. Lint-filtered water W_(lf) travels through the exits72A, 72B and 72C and to corresponding pipelines 79A, 79B, 79C to the oilfilter 80 (FIGS. 14 and 15).

The multiple pipes 72A, 72B, 72C result in a slow flow of water so thatoil is inclined to separate from the lint filtered water as it entersthe oil filter 80.

With reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, lint-filtered water W_(lf),enters oil filter tank 80 through entrance connections 82A, 82B and 82Cwhich are connected to pipelines 79A, 79B and 79C which connect the lintfilter 64 to the oil filter. The oil filter 80 is provided with an upperplatform 85, a middle platform 87 and a bottom platform 89 which areused to secure rows of cylindrical hydrophobic socks 84A₁, 84A₂ . . .84B₁, 84B₂ . . . , etc.

The socks are made of 100% reclaimed wood fiber or other suitablehydrophobic material. The oil absorbing socks 84, being hydrophobic,allow water to pass by while absorbing free oil. The socks can bereplaced by removing a removable top (not shown) of the oil filter.

The platforms are provided with holes (e.g., 88A, 88B, 88C) arrangedvertically so that the oil absorbing socks 84 can be inserted throughthe holes.

Each hole 88 is provided with four slot guides 86 which are thin andstick shaped and which extend through each platform to easily guide thesocks through the holes 88. The bottom platform 89 sits atop the bottom90 of the oil filter 80. Thus, each hydrophobic sock extends througheach platform 85, 87 and 89 and touches the bottom 90 of the oil filter80.

The oil filter is formed and defined by sides 91, 92, 93, 94 and bottom90. Side 91 is opposite to side 92 and side 93 is opposite to side 94.

The platforms 85, 87, 89 of oil filter 80 extend from side 91 of the oilfilter 80 but do not extend all the way across to the other side 92 ofthe oil filter 80 allowing water flow between the platforms 85, 87 and89.

A pumping chamber 100 is partitioned off from the rest of the interiorcomponents of the oil filter 80. Pumping chamber 100 lies in the cornerof oil filter 80 and is formed by partition wall 101 and partition wall102 which connect to each other and to walls 93 and 92 of oil filter 80,respectively. Platforms 85, 87, 89 connect to partition walls 101 and102 and connect to sides 91, 92 and 94, but do not connect to side 93 ofthe oil filter 80 so as to create a flow channel between platformlevels.

The lint filtered water W_(lf) which enters the oil absorption filter 80proceeds through entrances 82A, 82B and 82C proximate to the level ofthe middle platform 87 and below the water level in the oil absorptionfilter.

Upon entering the interior of the oil filter 80, free oil having adensity less than water rises to the top of the lint filtered waterW_(lf).

The oil absorption socks 84 which are arranged in several rows cause thewater flow to follow a weaving pattern such that contact with the socks84 is maximized and free oil is trapped in the socks. The oil absorptionsocks can be easily removed and replaced with new oil absorption socksafter extended use has caused them to become filled with free oil.

Oil-filtered water W_(of) after having traveled around the rows of oilabsorption socks 84 has but one path of travel to reach the pumpingchamber 100. That path is provided through pipe or opening 97 which islocated near the bottom of the oil filter 80 and which extends throughpartition wall 102.

As the oil-filtered water W_(of) enters the pumping station 100 throughpipe 97 the water level in the pumping station rises. As the water levelrises, a float switch 98 is activated as float 96 rises upward on aguide rod. As float switch 98 activates, sump pump 95 is energizedcausing oil filtered water W_(of) to be pumped into pipe 103. Oilfiltered water W_(of) is pumped from the sump pump 95 into pipe 103 andout of the oil filter through pipeline 104 to media filter 105.

With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, oil-filtered water W_(of) travelingthrough the pipeline 104 enters distribution piping 106 which extendsaround the top periphery of media filter 105 just inside walls 111A,111B, 111C and 111D of the media filter 105.

The size of the media filter is approximately 4 ft. by 4 ft. by 4 ft. orsized as conditions warrant. In high volume situations, an additionalmedia filter could be utilized.

The media filter 105 is constructed to hold a medium 110 for removingcontaminants such as suspended solids and hydrocarbons from the oilfiltered water W_(of) received from oil filter 80. The medium 110contained in the media filter is igneous rock and/or sand from ⅛ inch indiameter to two inches in diameter or a material proven to have at leastthe same filtering capabilities.

The size of the media rock or sand will depend upon the type of waterbeing recycled. Landromats and uniform shops tend to have greasier moreoily water than do motels, for example. Accordingly, the type of mediumwhich fills the media filter will be a diameter best suited for a givenoperation. For greasier water, a larger diameter of media rock or sandis desired.

Media Filter Spray nozzles 107 located on the distribution piping 106spray the oil-filtered water W_(of) received from the oil filter 80 uponthe top of medium 110. The medium 110 extends some three to four feet tothe bottom 112 of the media filter 105. At the bottom of the mediafilter lies a collection pipe 113 which is a 3 inch diameter pvc pipe,or other appropriate piping, which is provided with multipleperforations 114.

As the oil filtered water is sprayed on the top of medium 110 by spraynozzles 107, the oil filtered water perculates through the medium 110until it reaches the bottom 112 of the media filter.

Collection pipe 113 extends diagonally across the bottom 12 of the mediafilter with an end region 115 of the collection pipe 113 entering a sixby six inch square partition column 116 which extends vertically in acorner of the media filter.

Upon reaching the bottom of the media filter, the oil filtered waterW_(of) is now media filtered water W_(mf) which collects in pipe 113 andflows into the partitioned column 116 through end region 115 of thecollection pipe 113. At the bottom of the partitioned column 116 islocated an outlet pipe 117 which connects to pipeline 123 which leadsthe media filtered water toward the oil absorption filter 130 (FIG. 1).

The partitioned column 116 is provided with an activation switch whichis one fourth of the way up the column from the bottom of the mediafilter. This activation switch turns on centrifugal pump 124 and ozonegenerator 127 which causes media filtered water W_(mf) to exit the mediafilter as a result of the draft created by pump 124.

The top of the partitioned column is located some six or eight inchesbelow the top of the media filter tank and acts as an overflow mechanismin that excess water will flow into the top of the column and will notspill out of the media tank.

With reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 1, the media filtered water passesfrom the media filter 105 to pump 124 to pipeline 125 where it isinjected with ozone and proceeds on to hydrocarbon absorption filter130.

The absorption filter 130 is a pressurized tank approximately six feettall and 42 inches in diameter and is ⅔ full of organic clay 132.

The media filtered water is pumped at approximately 60 psi up into thetop inner region of the tank (not shown) whereupon the media filteredwater is further purified of emulsified hydrocarbons and some heavymetals as it seeps downward through the organic clay 132. Upon reachingthe bottom of the absorption filter 130, the media filtered water is nowconsidered to be absorption filtered water W_(af) which proceeds throughpipe 134 toward the activated carbon filter 140.

With reference to FIG. 21, the activated carbon filter 140 is apressurized tank similar in dimensions to hydrocarbon filter 130.However, activated carbon filter 140 is ⅔ filled with virgin activatedcarbon.

When the recycling system is in operation, the absorption filtered waterW_(af) travels through pipe 134 which becomes pipe 135. The absorptionfiltered water W_(af) proceeds through pipe 135 and through opensolenoid switch D which being open allows the water W_(af) to pass intopipe 139 which distributes the absorption filtered water to the top andinside of the carbon filter tank 140. The hydrocarbon filtered waterpasses downward through the virgin 142 carbon to the bottom where itenters pipe 143.

When the recycling system is in operation, both solenoids B and D areopen and solenoids A and C are closed.

Thus, carbon filtered water W_(cf) exits through pipe 143 and proceedsthrough the open solenoid B and on to pipeline 150 which leads to finalholding tank 156.

When the activated carbon filter 150 is backwashed after a dailyoperation, for instance, during the evening when the system is not inuse, solenoid switches B and D are closed and the solenoids A and C areopen for purposes of backwashing filter 150.

In the backwash mode, solenoid C is open to allow water to enter throughpipe 143 with the backwash water proceeding upward to the top of thetank and out pipeline 139. The backwash water then enters pipe 145 andproceeds through open solenoid A to outlet pipe 148. Upon passingthrough pipe 148, the backwashed water proceeds through piping (notshown) to the collection tank (closed system), or to a drain outside thesystem.

The carbon filtered water W_(cf) leaves the carbon activated filterthrough pipeline 150 to final holding tank 156.

With reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 2, upon entering final holding tank156 through opening 155 the carbon filtered water is exposed to ozone bymeans of ozone diffusion piping 160 which receives ozone from ozonegenerator 158 which is always on when the recycling system is inoperation and has a built-in compressor.

The diffusion piping 160 is bifurcated into section 160A and 160B. Amechanical float is positioned approximately one-quarter of the way upfrom the bottom of the final holding tank, on a side of the finalholding tank.

The mechanical float connects to tap water line 9 (FIG. 1); thus whenthe final holding tank is less than one-third full, the mechanical float190 (FIG. 23A) opens a valve in tap water line 9 so that tap waterenters the holding tank 156.

After the carbon filtered water W_(cf) is exposed to ozone in finalholding tank 156, the carbon filtered water becomes clean and processedwater W_(cp) and leaves the final holding tank through opening 159 topipeline 162.

Connected to pipeline 162 is centrifugal pump 164 which is energized bypressure switches located in cold and hot water servers 4 and 6,respectively.

From centrifugal pump 164 the clean and processes water travels intopipeline 166 which connects to pipelines 168 and 170.

When the pressure switch in cold water server 4 is activated pump 164 isenergized and water is switched into line 168. When the pressure switchin warm water server 6 is activated the clean and processed waterproceeds through pipe 166 into pipe 170 and enters the holding tank 20where it enters heat exchange piping 26 and is warmed and heated beforeexiting through pipeline 172 and entering warm water server 6.

Warm water server 6 is connected to the wash machine(s) 2 through line 5and cold water server 4 is connected to wash machine(s) 2 through line3. Upon the processed and cleaned water entering washing machine(s) 2, awash cycle can take place and the recycling of used wash water can beginagain.

The block diagram of FIG. 23 gives a schematic appreciation of howcomponents in the elements of the recycling system of the presentinvention are electrically connected to a control panel 300.

The final holding tank 156 is provided with a level switch 180 that iselectrically connected to the control panel 300 which gives a signal topump 40 and to ozone generator 60 to turn on causing water to flowthrough the recycling system. Final holding tank is provided with amechanical float switch 190 (FIG. 23A) which connects to tap water line9. The mechanical float causes a valve 195 in the inlet of the tap waterline to open so as allow tap water to flow into the final holding tankthrough tap water outlet 9A.

The mechanical float 190 is located on the side of the holding tank soas to open valve 195 when the holding tank is less than than one-thirdand closes valve 195 when the holding tank is more than one-third full.Thus, the level float 180 and mechanical float 195 can call for water atthe same time with the mechanical float closing the tap water line whenthe tank becomes one-third full and the level float causing pump 40 toshut off when the final holding tank is full.

Sump pump 13 in collection tank 12 is activated when a level or floatswitch 302 in holding tank 20 calls for more water when the holding tankis less than half full.

Upon the control panel receiving a signal from float switch 302 that thelevel of water is below a desired minimum level, the control panel sendsa signal to sump pump 13 to turn on thereby causing water to flow fromcollection tank 13 to holding tank 20.

The oil separator 80 is provided with a level or float switch 98 in itscontainment compartment 100 which sends a signal to the control panel300 to turn on sump pump 95 when the containment compartment 100 in theoil filter 80 is ⅔ full. Upon the sump pump turning on and the waterlevel in the containment compartment going down as a result, the floatswitch 98 sends a signal to the control panel 300 to turn off sump pump95 when the level in the containment compartment is ½ full.

In the containment chamber 116 of the media filter 105 a float switch120 is provided which sends a signal to control panel 300 to turn oncentrifugal pump 124 and ozone generator 127 when the water level incontainment chamber 116 is more than {fraction (1/4)} full.

Water from the containment chamber of the media filter is then drawntoward the hydrocarbon filter tank 130 as a result of the activation ofpump 124. When the recycling system is in operation the water from thehydrocarbon filter tank enters carbon filter tank 140.

This is made possible by the control panel 300 being connected tosolenoid switches B and D open so that absorption filtered water W_(af)can travel through pipe line 134 into carbon filter tank 140 andallowing carbon filtered water W_(cf) to pass from the carbon filter 140onto the final holding tank 156.

When the system is not in use , solenoid switches B and D are closed bytimers on the control panel, and solenoid switches A and C are open sothat the carbon filter tank can be backwashed.

The carbon filtered water W_(cf) which leaves the carbon filter 140 isinjected with ozone in the final holding tank 156. Ozone generator 158is always on when the recycle system is in operation and has its ownbuilt-in compressor which connects to control panel 300.

A pressure sensor 306 in the cold water server 4 and a pressure sensor304 in hot water server 6 send signals to the control panel 300 when thepressure in either server 4 or server 6 falls below a desired level.Upon receiving the signal from servers 4 and 6, the control panel 300sends a signal to circulation pump 164 to turn on so that a desiredwater pressure is maintained in the servers 4, and 6.

With reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 1, the reverse osmosis system 200 foruse with the recycling system of the present invention is provided witha cartridge filter 202 which connects pump 204 through pipe 203.

From pump 204, the clean and processed water W_(cp) enters pipe 205 andonto pipe 208 which bifurcates such that hyperfiltration filters 206 and212 are arranged in parallel.

Hyperfiltration filters are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,374. Onlymineral-free clean and processed water W_(cp) enters the compositemembrane pipe (not shown) located in the center region of thehyperfiltration filters 206, 212.

From the composite membrane pipe of filters 206, 212, clean soft waterW_(cs) suitable for washing dishes leaves filters 206 and 212 throughpipe 214 which connects to a dishwater heater (not shown).

The clean and processed water not allowed into the composite membranesof filters 206, 212 exits the filters through pipe 210 forre-introduction into the recycling system 10.

In operation, the used wash water from laundry machine(s) 2 and/or useddish water from dish washer(s) (not shown) will enter the recyclingsystem of the present invention through appropriate piping (pipeline11), and be received by collection tank 12, where the step of collectingthe used wash water takes place. The used wash water is then pumped outof the collection tank to holding tank 20 where the used wash water isused to heat the clean and processed water in the heat exchange piping.Thus, the used wash water is used in a step to heat the clean andprocessed water. By using the heat energy of the used wash water to heatthe clean and processed water, utility costs are significantly reduced.

From the holding tank 20, the used wash water enters the lint/gritseparator where solids exceeding six microns are removed and directed tolint/grit basket 50.

Thus, the lint/grit separator 50 can be viewed as a step in therecycling system in which lint and grit which exceed a certain size areremoved from the used wash water. The lint/grit separated water W_(lg)having gone through the lint/grit separator continues to the lint filter64.

However, the lint/grit separated water is injected with ozone by ozonegenerator 60 before proceeding to the step of entering lint filter 64.

Lint filter 64 removes lint, threads, hair and other fine elements fromthe lint/grit separated water. Having passed through the step of ozoneinjection and through a second lint removal step by lint filter 64, thelint filtered water W_(lf) continues to oil separator 80.

In oil separator 80, free oil is removed from the lint filtered waterW_(lf). Thus, oil separator 80 performs an oil removal step so that oilseparated water Woo proceeds to a media filtration step in media filter105. Media filter 105 removes suspended solids and remaininghydrocarbons in the oil separated water W_(os) as a result of the oilseparated water proceeding through the igneous rock and/or sand of themedia filter.

Upon passing through the media filter 105, the media filtered waterW_(mf) is further treated to an ozone injection before entering thehydrocarbon absorption filter 130 where the media filtered water as aresult of the water pressure created by pump 124 is forced through theclay in the hydrocarbon absorption filtered.

This step of clay filtration of the media filtered water results inhydrocarbon filtered water W_(hc) passing from the hydrocarbonabsorption filter into the activated carbon filter 140 where soap in thehydrocarbon filtered water W_(hc) is effectively removed.

The carbon filter 150 subjects the hydrocarbon filtered water to acarbon filtration step so that carbon filtrated water W_(cf) passes intothe final holding tank 156 where the carbon filtered water is furthersubjected to a final ozone injection step before leaving the finalholding tank as clean and processed water W_(cp).

Upon the clean and processed water leaving the holding tank, it may bechannelled to cold water server 4 or continue to the heat exchangepiping 26 in holding tank 20 for a temperature augmentation step beforebeing introduced to warm water server 6. The clean and processed waterin the cold and hot water servers is then ready for re-use by washmachine(s) 2.

If the recycling system of the present invention is to be used torecycle water from dish washer(s), a reverse osmosis step is called forwhich takes place in the reverse osmosis system 200 before introductionto a dishwater heater.

The collection tank 12, holding tank 20 and heat exchange piping 26,lint/grit separator 42, lint filter 64, and oil filter 80, media filter105, hydrocarbon filter 130, carbon filter 140 and final holding tank156 are viewed as elements of the recycling system of the presentinvention. In certain situations, it might be elected to use less thanall of the above elements for purposes of achieving a given objective.

The present invention results in achieving significant reductions inenergy and water costs associated with doing large quantities oflaundry.

The present invention can be utilized by motels and hotels, laundromats,uniform shops and virtually any type of facility where a laundry-typeoperation is in place.

The recycling system of the present invention can be housed in a roomadjacent to a laundry facility, in an adjacent shed, on the roof of abuilding or wherever appropriate for a given situation.

Further, the present invention can be utilized to recycle water used indish washers. In addition, the present invention can be utilized toreduce water and energy costs in other areas besides laundry and dishwashing.

The foregoing detailed description of the invention is intended to beillustrative and non-limiting. Changes and modifications are possiblewhich utilize the above teaching. Thus, it is understood that theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein and still be within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method that implements a recycle system for there-use of used wash water from a laundry facility, wherein said recyclesystem comprises two or more elements that are connected by piping, saidmethod comprising the steps of: collecting used wash water from one ormore washers; separating debris of a predetermined size from said usedwash water by subjecting said used wash water to a separator; subjectingsaid used wash water to a lint removal filter, said lint removal filtercomprising a removable means for trapping lint; removing free oil fromsaid used wash water by subjecting said used wash water a free oilremoval filter, said free oil filter comprising a removable means forextracting free oil from said used wash water; and ozonating said usedwash water. said ozonating comprising delivering ozone into said pipingat one or more locations, wherein said one or more locations arepositioned along said recycle system such that ozone is allowed toescape out of said recycle system before delivery of said used washwater back to said one or more washers; wherein said lint filter andsaid oil filter are separate and whereby clean and processed water foruse in a laundry facility is produced.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid lint removal filter further comprises a means for accessing saidremovable means for trapping lint.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein saidfree oil removal filter further comprises a means for accessing saidremovable means for extracting free oil.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein said removable means for trapping lint comprises one or moremesh screens.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said removable means forextracting free oil comprises one or more absorption socks.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of: removing emulsifiedhydrocarbons from said used wash water by subjecting said used washwater to at least one filter suitable for removing emulsifiedhydrocarbons.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein removing emulsifiedhydrocarbons from said used wash water comprises subjecting said usedwash water to a media filter and a hydrocarbon-absorption filter;wherein said media filter and said hydrocarbon-absorption filter areseparate.
 8. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of:subjecting said used wash water to an activated carbon filter.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said laundry facility is understood to be aplurality of washing machines.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein saidlaundry facility is understood to include a dishwasher facility.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of: heating the cleanedand processed water by transferring heat from said used wash water tosaid cleaned and processed water.
 12. A method that implements a systemcomprising at least one separator and at least one filter for the re-useof used wash water from a wash facility, wherein said at least oneseparator and at least one filter are connected by piping, said methodcomprising the steps of: separating debris of a predetermined size fromsaid used wash water by subjecting said used wash water to said at leastone separator; subjecting said used wash water to said at least onefilter; and ozonating said used wash water; said ozonating comprisinginjecting ozone into said piping at one or more locations, wherein saidone or more locations are positioned along said recycle system such thatozone is allowed to escape out of said recycle system before delivery ofused wash water back to said one or more washers.